Jeremias Pineda is a 21 Dominican OF (playing in a league of 18 and 19 year olds) who is pretty much in the Mastroianni/Revere mold. Second season in the GCL, split last season between the DSL and GCL. Was signed by the Red Sox in March of 2011 so he is a late bloomer, thus the delay.
We shall see

I like this. With the potential collapse of Angel Morales and doubts about Danny Ortiz, this is a nice move. It will be interesting to see Pineda when he gets to Beloit (hopefully right away, with a Nate Roberts promotion).

I forgot about JD Williams' struggles as well. This is good to get something of value for Valencia, even though I am sure everyone would have preferred a similarly located pitcher.
Now can someone claim Casilla? Pretty please?

A move that's good for Valencia and the Twins. I wish him luck and hope gets a shot in Boston.

So, is Hicks going to get Valencia's 40-man spot?

There are going to be a number of empty 40-man spots available after this season. Florimon might be the direct beneficiary of this move (the Twins adding both Nishi and Florimon for September makes more sense now).